A top priority

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "A top priority" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasize the importance of a task or issue that needs immediate attention or focus. Example: "Ensuring customer satisfaction is a top priority for our company this quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Marriage is a top priority".

The New York Times

Homicides are a top priority.

The New Yorker

Safety is a top priority, she said.

The New York Times

He has made reform a top priority.

The Economist

That should be a top priority.

The Economist

"This remains a top priority for us".

The New York Times

Penicillin wasn't a top priority.

The Guardian

"She's obviously a top priority," Miller said.

The New York Times - Sports

Is this a top priority?" Bennett asked.

The Guardian

Republicans said education was a top priority.

The New York Times

For others, revenue is a top priority.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "A top priority", ensure it is followed by a clear explanation of why the subject is important. This adds context and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid stating something is "A top priority" without providing supporting reasons or actions. Vague statements diminish the impact and credibility of your message.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "A top priority" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a predicate nominative or an object complement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes something of utmost importance or concern. This is evident across numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

12%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "A top priority" is a widely recognized and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize the critical importance of something. As verified by Ludwig AI, it appears most frequently in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific discourse. While versatile, clarity in usage is paramount; always substantiate claims of top priority with specific reasoning. Alternatives include "primary importance" or "chief focus", but "A top priority" directly signals the utmost level of attention required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Main priority

A slightly more concise alternative, conveying the same essential meaning.

Primary importance

Stresses the significance or value of something.

Paramount consideration

Suggests something is of utmost importance when making decisions.

Chief focus

Highlights the main area of attention or concentration.

Key objective

Identifies something as a crucial goal to be achieved.

Number one goal

Directly states that something is the most important objective.

Highest concern

Emphasizes the level of worry or attention given to something.

Central aim

Highlights the main purpose or intention.

Foremost issue

Indicates that something is the most pressing or urgent matter.

Principal task

Emphasizes the importance of a specific job or duty.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "A top priority" in a sentence?

To use "A top priority" effectively, clearly state what the priority is and why it holds such importance. For instance, "Customer satisfaction is "a top priority", as it directly impacts our company's reputation and future growth."

What are some alternatives to saying "A top priority"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "primary importance", "chief focus", or "paramount consideration" to convey a similar meaning to "a top priority".

Is it redundant to say "high priority" instead of "A top priority"?

While "high priority" indicates importance, "A top priority" implies the highest level of importance. "High priority" might suggest other priorities exist at a similar level, whereas "a top priority" emphasizes singular importance.

Can "A top priority" be used in both formal and informal writing?

"A top priority" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, in very informal contexts, you might opt for more casual alternatives such as "main focus" or "number one goal". Keep in mind that its formality may also depend on the type of document that you are writing.